European Super Football

The Scottish champions have replaced former keeper Joe Hart Celtic have signed Denmark captain Kasper Schmeichel on a one-year deal after the goalkeeper led his country to the last 16 at Euro 24. Schmeichel, 37, was a free agent after leaving the Belgian club Anderlecht at the end of last season and replaces former Manchester City club-mate Joe Hart, who has now retired. International goalkeeper, an English Premier league winner. We've seen this movie before. Welcome to the finest team in Scotland Kasper Schmeichel. 🍀 pic.twitter.com/QSpjihOfhT — Boyle (@Boyle_67) July 18, 2024 The Dane has earned 105 international caps and will join his new teammates in the United States, where the Scottish champions are on tour. Schmeichel is best known for his 11-year stint with Leicester City, during which the club won an improbable Premier League crown in 2016. He would later work with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers at King Power Stadium, where the pair claimed the 2021 FA Cup and subs...

Celtic 3 - 3 Rangers Celtic won 5-4 on penalties The current Scottish champions were pushed to their absolute limits but ultimately prevailed in a dramatic Scottish League Cup final against Rangers, decided by a tense penalty shootout. Author - Sean M After both sides converted their first three penalties, Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz saw his low effort saved by Kasper Schmeichel. Although goalkeeper Jack Butland briefly kept Rangers' hopes alive by scoring their next spot-kick, Daizen Maeda calmly slotted home to secure the trophy for Celtic. The victory came after an epic 3-3 draw following extra time, extending Brendan Rodgers' remarkable record of never losing at Hampden Park. Meanwhile, Rangers manager Philippe Clement is still searching for his first derby win. This triumph also propels Celtic ahead of their old rivals in total silverware won — a milestone not achieved since the 1930s. But those are just the headlines of what was a truly incredible cup final. Whil...

Atalanta 0 - 0 Celtic Celtic secured a valuable Champions League point with a resilient defensive performance, holding last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta to a goalless draw in Bergamo. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football This result marked a notable shift in fortunes for Celtic, who had previously lost all seven of their matches in Italy in this competition. Despite facing relentless pressure from the hosts, the Scottish champions stood firm, taking a crucial step towards progressing to the knockout stages. Kasper Schmeichel played a pivotal role with several impressive saves, while Atalanta squandered several clear chances. Celtic’s defensive discipline proved key in denying the Serie A side, who grew increasingly frustrated as the match developed.  After two challenging away fixtures, Celtic now have the advantage of back-to-back home games against RB Leipzig and Club Brugge, with four points already secured.  Celtic’s Champions League campaign has been ...

Germany 2 - 0 Denmark Euro 2024 hosts Germany advanced to the quarter-finals by defeating Denmark.  The game at Borussia Dortmund's Westfalenstadion was dramatically interrupted for about 20 minutes towards the end of the first half due to a spectacular storm, with lightning illuminating the sky and hail and heavy rain drenching the pitch. Current scenes in Dortmund. #EURO2024 https://t.co/gJjIQ72CSW pic.twitter.com/ZrhJuu9ukM — European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) June 29, 2024 Several crucial video assistant referee (VAR) decisions were to have a huge impact on what happened next. Germany's Nico Schlotterbeck had previously had a header ruled out by VAR, and Denmark saw Joachim Andersen’s goal disallowed in the second half due to Thomas Delaney being marginally offside. Germany celebrated when another VAR decision went in their favour, leading to referee Michael Oliver awarding a penalty for handball against the unfortunate Andersen. You'd have to argue that it p...

Celtic 3 - 1 RB Leipzig Nicolas Kuhn delivered an outstanding performance, inspiring Celtic to come from behind and secure a thrilling third consecutive Champions League home victory at the lively Celtic Park against Germany's RB Leipzig. Author - Sean M > After a dominant six-goal League Cup win over Aberdeen on Saturday and a tough draw away to Atalanta in the previous matchday, expectations were high for this game, despite Leipzig being the top seeds. Celtic very much delivered in what was probably their best performance in a European match for several years.  How the action unfolded - an unbiased reflection of a wonderful night for Celtic fans We burst onto the pitch with real intent, pressing high and applying pressure from the start. In the opening minute, Reo Hatate’s sharp pass to Daizen Maeda set the tone, and Arne Engels' shot—blocked by the Leipzig defence—signalled Celtic’s ambitions. RB Leipzig, struggling to match Celtic’s pace, nearly saw Kuhn break the dea...

Celtic 3 - 0 Hibernian Brendan Rodgers commended Celtic's attacking display as they capitalised on a wasteful Hibernian to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to nine points.  Author - Sean M Celtic secured their seventh consecutive league win with Arne Engels' first-half tap-in, an own goal from Joe Newell, and a sublime finish from Kyogo after the interval. Hibs, though, had their chances, particularly in the first half, where they exposed Celtic's high defensive line. Mykola Kuharevich was twice denied in one-on-one situations by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, while Joe Newell squandered a golden opportunity, firing over the bar unmarked inside the box. At the other end, Celtic proved clinical. Engels converted Alistair Johnston's cross, and Adam Idah's flick-on was inadvertently turned into his own net by Newell. Celtic Football Club news and stories Can anyone stop Celtic in Scotland? Hibs' inability to take their chances persisted i...

Celtic 3 - 0 St Mirren Nicolas Kuhn added two more to his impressive tally goal this season, inspiring Celtic to a comfortable win over St Mirren and extending their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 13 points. Author - Sean M Kuhn struck on either side of half-time to bring his season total to 16 goals, with Auston Trusty heading home in between to secure a dominant victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side. After suffering their first league defeat of the season against Rangers on Thursday, Celtic bounced back strongly, capitalising on their rivals’ latest slip-up at Easter Road to tighten their grip on the title race. Celtic break St Mirren’s resilience St Mirren made life difficult in the early stages, pressing well and limiting Celtic’s chances. However, the deadlock was broken in style. Luke McCowan’s superb pass set Daizen Maeda free down the left wing, and the Japanese winger’s pinpoint cross found Kuhn, who delivered a typically clinical finish. That goal deflated t...

Slovenia 1 - 1 Denmark Christian Eriksen made a triumphant return to the European Championship but this goal wasn't enough against a determined Slovenia side.  Eriksen's tournament began spectacularly as he scored the opening goal for his team 17 minutes in, skilfully slotting the ball into the bottom left corner after a clever flick-on from Jonas Wind. He was a standout performer, with Denmark dominating possession in the first half and creating several opportunities to increase their lead. However, Slovenia, supported by their loud and enthusiastic fans, equalised when Erik Janza’s powerful shot flew past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with just 13 minutes remaining. Click here for more news from the tournament:  Euro 2024 news and stories  Slovenia's pressure had been mounting in the second half, and star player Benjamin Sesko had already sent a warning shot when he struck the post earlier. Matjaz Kek’s team, who struggled to contain Eriksen in the first half, nearly...

Hibernian 0 - 2 Celtic A brilliant goal from Callum McGregor helped Celtic secure a comfortable Scottish Premiership victory over Hibernian at Easter Road. Nicolas Kuhn opened the scoring within three minutes, capitalising on a mistake by Hibs’ goalkeeper Josef Bursik, who failed to deal with Kyogo's initial shot. McGregor, who had announced his retirement from international football earlier in the week, then doubled Celtic's lead with a stunning left-footed strike from 25 yards, capping off an excellent first-half performance. Brendan Rodgers’ side could have added more goals if not for the woodwork, but they will be satisfied with taking three points from a ground where they have struggled at times under Rodgers' management. More Celtic news can be found by clicking here Sunshine on Leith: The place for more Hibs news and stories The home side were booed off at half-time, having failed to register a single shot, although they improved somewhat in the second half. Stri...

Celtic 2 - 0 Hearts Celtic maintained their perfect start to the season as both sides faced contrasting outcomes with VAR for the champions and Hearts. Early in the match, the visitors were initially awarded a penalty in the first half after Lawrence Shankland's header struck Liam Scales' arm. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review. In the second half, a cross from Nicolas Kuhn made contact with James Penrice's hand, leading to another VAR review. This time, the result was a penalty, and record signing Arne Engels scored his first goal for Celtic from the spot. To seal the victory, Luke McCowan also scored his first goal for Celtic with a late strike.  What about Hearts? Hearts find themselves one point behind at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. This was an improved performance from the visitors, but the match ultimately ended in a seventh straight defeat in all competitions. Referee Colin Steven had been quick to point to the spot after the Sca...

Leicester City 1 - 0 Liverpool Ademola Lookman scored the only goal of the match as Leicester City beat Liverpool. This leaves the Reds six points off the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool's best chances came in the first half when Mohamed Salah had a penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel and the Egyptian headed the rebound off the bar. Sadio Mane then wasted a couple of chances for Jurgen Klopp's side. The 2020 Premier League champions were made to pay by the hosts in the 59th minute. Lookman, with only his fourth touch after coming on, took Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's pass in his stride, beat Liverpool's Joel Matip and fired a shot past Alisson. This was Leicester's only shot on target. Leicester hung on despite the relentless late Liverpool pressure. This all came just six days after blowing a 3-1 lead to lose on penalties against the same opposition in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. This result was all the more remarkable given the home side's ...

St Johnstone 0 - 6 Celtic  Celtic surged to the top of the Scottish Premiership after a resounding 6-0 victory against St Johnstone.  The defending champions initially believed they had scored early on through Daizen Maeda, but VAR disallowed the goal due to a foul in the build-up. A closer look at what happened in Perth Kyogo Furuhashi eventually put the visitors in front with a typical run and finish and Paulo Bernardo completed an excellent move with a fine finish. Kyogo then headed a third in first-half added time and Callum McGregor, Maeda and substitute Adam Idah added more goals in the second period. Brendan Rodgers' side lead Aberdeen on goal difference at the top of the table while Saints are a point above second bottom. Celtic looking unstoppable in Scotland. Positive signs for their Champions League campaign? Celtic made several changes once again in their 5-2 Scottish League Cup victory over Falkirk last week, and it was a similar story in Perth, with the injur...

Following their 4-2 away at Leicester City, Manchester United's Marcus Rashford issued an interesting statement to their fans. The Academy graduate was named in the squad for the first time this season, after missing the start of the campaign while recovering from shoulder surgery.  Marcus entered the field as a second-half substitute and quickly scored his first goal of the season latching onto a pass from Victor Lindelof to calmly finish past Kasper Schmeichel.   The goal made it 2-2 at the King Power Stadium, but unfortunately for United the game quickly slipped away.   Speaking with his millions of followers after the match, Rashford admitted he was pleased to return but ultimately frustrated by a difficult defeat. United's home grown hero posted: “Not the result we wanted on my return. “Happy to get the goal but the performance as a whole was just not good enough today. It felt great to be back but we have to rebound from this.  “I’m looking forwar...

Celtic 4 - 3 Manchester City Manchester City's pre-season tour of the United States began with a 4-3 defeat to Celtic in North Carolina. The match was billed as the 'battle of the champions'. Despite the empty seats at the stadium, there was still a fantastic atmosphere.  Two first half goals from Nicolas Kuhn and a smart Kyogo Furuhashi finish meant City went in behind at the break despite Oscar Bobb also finding the net. The blues fought back in the second half. An almost defiant display, spearheaded by the irrepressible Bobb, brought City level with Maximo Perrone and Erling Haaland both on target. The Scottish champions eventuallày took the lead again through substitute Luis Palma Celtic impressed at times but fans are still concerned about the club's like of signings in the transfer window. Transfer News: Celtic sign Kasper Schmeichel (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) More Celtic news and stories Premier League: Summer 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.b...

Ross County 1 - 2 Celtic Celtic shook off their midweek Champions League setback to continue their flawless Premiership run, clinching a late victory in Dingwall.  Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn both found the net in the second half, sealing the win for the reigning champions. Brendan Rodgers' team remains unbeaten domestically this season, having won every match so far, as they head into the October international break in top form. A closer look at what happened For the first 70 minutes,  Celtic struggled to make an impact  against a well-organised Ross County. Their defensive solidity, discipline, and ability to take advantage of Celtic's lapses were exemplified by Ronan Hale’s first-half penalty. Michee Efete's cross struck Liam Scales' arm, and after a brief check on the monitor, referee Kevin Clancy awarded the penalty. Hale's initial shot was weak and comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel, but the goalkeeper was judged to have moved too early. Given a...

Hearts 1 - 4 Celtic Clinical Celtic opened up a three-point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a commanding victory over Hearts at Tynecastle. Author - Sean M With Aberdeen suffering their first league defeat of the season earlier in the day, Brendan Rodgers' side seized the opportunity to establish clear daylight between themselves and the Dons for the first time this campaign. Celtic were sluggish in the first half, though, and were lucky to head into the break level. Blair Spittal and Lawrence Shankland both squandered excellent chances to put Hearts ahead. The second half, however, was a completely different story. Kyogo Furuhashi broke the deadlock with his seventh goal of the season, pouncing on a deflected clearance by Daniel Oyegoke after Craig Gordon's initial save. Minutes later, Nicholas Kühn doubled the lead with a superb counter-attacking goal, finishing clinically to put Celtic firmly in control. Celtic Football Club news and stories Adam Idah add...

Celtic 4 - 0 Motherwell Celtic maintained their composure despite a shaky start to secure a commanding 4-0 victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. Author - Sean M Following a frustrating draw at Dundee United on Sunday, the league leaders took time to find their rhythm. The breakthrough came just before the half-time whistle when a collision between Aston Oxborough and Hyunjun Yang earned Celtic a penalty. Arne Engels coolly converted, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner as the Motherwell goalkeeper dived the wrong way. Celtic had the better chances in the first half, with Daizen Maeda’s effort blocked by Oxborough. The Motherwell keeper also had a nervy moment when he nearly turned the ball into his own net, but managed to clear it with the help of his defence. Early in the second half, Celtic survived a scare when Tony Watt inadvertently blocked Tawanda Maswanhise’s shot on Kasper Schmeichel ’s goalline, deflecting it behind. The hosts doubled their lead so...

Celtic 3 - 0 Rangers Celtic continued their recent dominance in the Glasgow derby with a straightforward win over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. Arriving as strong favourites on their home turf, the champions weathered an early burst of energy from Rangers before reasserting their familiar control. Daizen Maeda calmly finished from close range after a cross from Alistair Johnston, with Rangers caught off guard from a simple throw-in. Earlier, Kyogo had a goal disallowed for offside against Nicolas Kuhn. Still, the Japanese striker soon added to his impressive derby tally with a precise strike from the edge of the box. Rangers were fortunate not to be further behind by half-time and came out with more intensity in the second half. However, Cyriel Dessers squandered a key chance, firing tamely at Kasper Schmeichel when a sharper finish could have reignited the game. The second half was more subdued, with chances for both sides. Kyogo surprisingly hit the side-netting after bein...

Dinamo Zagreb 0 - 0 Celtic Celtic extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to four matches, earning a valuable away point that leaves their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages firmly in their hands. Author - Sean M Brendan Rodgers' side now sit on nine points, with a home clash against Young Boys in January followed by a trip to Aston Villa. However, their wait for an elusive away victory in this competition continues – the last coming against Anderlecht under Rodgers seven years ago. Facing a Dinamo Zagreb side plagued by injuries and struggling for form, Celtic sensed an opportunity and started brightly, dominating possession for long periods. Yet, they struggled to break down their resolute opponents. In the first half, Celtic's best chance came from a 20-yard free-kick by Paulo Bernardo, which narrowly missed the target, despite the visitors enjoying nearly 70% possession. Dinamo, defensively disciplined throughout, consistently shut down spaces and l...

Randers FC 1 - 3 Leicester City (2-7 on aggregate) James Maddison scored two beauties as Leicester made light work of Danish side Randers with a 7-2 rout on aggregate to reach the last 16 of the Europa Conference League. Brendan Rodgers' men came into this knockout stage play-off round after finishing third in their Europa League group, but navigated the tie with few issues. Holding a 4-1 lead from the first leg, it took Leicester just 100 seconds to extend their advantage as Harvey Barnes broke clear and curled a delightful finish into the far corner. Into the next round ✅ #UECL pic.twitter.com/83IbACQ1J5 — Leicester City (@LCFC) February 24, 2022 The England international could have added another in the second half but fired wide from an acute angle. Compatriot Maddison then netted twice in the space of four minutes with a free-kick into the top corner and a sumptuous curling strike from 25 yards. Randers did pull a goal back late on when Kasper Schmeichel's heavy touch...